Businesslike

Two more days of work and then I'm off to Berlin for the new year's celebration. A mini vacation is in place since they made me come to work during these "in between days". I don't really see the point when my email box is screaming of emptiness...

Speaking of work, someone once asked me to post about my work clothing and tips about how to look chic in the boring office environment. The trick I've learned, is to keep it simple with the basics but to also add something that makes the outfit pop, such as an interesting detail or accessory. The topic allows me to introduce something my lovely boyfriend got me for my birthday: a blazer/cardigan designed by our talented friend, Richard Söderberg. Richard's brand Obscur is a menswear label but the smaller sizes seem to fit me fine (you can get his clothes at least here, here and here). I've worn this number on several occasions since it's suitable for both office and free time wear. The piece looks professional, though it has that special "twist" which makes it look more interesting than those basic blazers or cardigans people would normally wear to an office. I kept the rest of the outfit simple with basic peg leg trousers, the only additional detail being on front of the white top. You can even add platform ankle boots to this outfit and no one would make a big deal because the cardigan is the true show stopper here. In a delicate way, of course.

I hope you all are enjoying the holidays, I'll be back next year!

Blazer/cardigan: Obscur
Trousers: Asos
Top: Zara
Ankle boots: Fendi

Battling through the winter

Apparently, this week, the first snow has reached big cities like Paris and New York; a pleasure we have been able to enjoy here in Finland for a few weeks already. This December has been exceptionally cold and with the temperature hitting -17 Celcius almost every single day this past week, it has been essential to dress very warm and wear shoes that won't slip on the icy pavements.

For three years now my best weapon for the winter has been this woollen H&M peacoat, and even though H&M is not one of those places I shop on a regular basis, this coat has truly been worth every single penny. It's shaped like a traditional peacoat but has interesting details on the chimney collar, shoulder, and sleeve area, making it look like an updated version of the classic militaristic model. Unfortunately I lost the collar strap when we moved, with that it would look ten times better.

You know, it's actually a tough job to maintain your personal style during the winter time but luckily, there are some ways of managing it. Layering has been my key to stay both warm and presentable when the times get tough and the temperature hits below zero. My grey knit dress and wollen tights (must stock upon those next time I'm in Berlin!) from COS have been fulfilling their duty exceptionally, as well as the Ann Demeulemeester boots which I hardly take off my feet anymore. However, I did get the winter soles done at the local cobbler, not only to protect against slipping but they're also a good way to protect the designer shoes from wearing off. The circle scarf I've borrowed from the more handsome half of our household, and I might not return it until I aquire one of my own (sorry, darling).

Now I'm off to crawling underneath the blankets with some hot tea, so enjoy your Sunday and stay warm!

Peacoat: H&M
Knit dress: COS
Horse riding boots: Ann Demeulemeester
Wool tights: COS
Bag and circle scarf: All Saints
Leather gloves: Vagabond

From hippies to hipsters

70's high waisted flare jeans have been very popular among the likes of Chloë Sevigny and Kate Moss. I got my pair in January but since Finland is covered in snow from December to April, I have not been able to wear my beloved Monki jeans until now. Besides, I think flares are definately jeans of the summer season, especially on those hot days when skinny jeans just feel way too sweltering against your skin.

A lot of people think that these kind of jeans are only suitable for skinny peeps but that is definitely a misleading perception. I have a pear shaped body and I feel like these jeans hug me just right. You should preferably wear a flowly shirt with these jeans, in order to balance the body. For those who think that these jeans make your butt look long, well they do a bit but that just hides all the lumps and creates an illusion of longer legs since your waist starts much higher than usual. Here are some tips about wearing high waist flared jeans in a nutshell:

1. With high waisted jeans, your normal waist size doesn't imply. Most likely you have to get a pair which is a few sizes smaller, as the waist is measured around your belly button area.

2. Flowy shirts such as loose tops and buttonups look the best with high waisted jeans. They balance your body.

3. Round toe shoes with a bit of heel work the best with these jeans. The hem of the jeans should not be dragging on the floor but you should get these jeans at least an inch longer than your real length. For taller girls, round toe flats look really cute.

4. High waisted jeans will make your butt look long but they also make you look skinnier and taller as the flaring starts above your knee and your waist starts higher than with normal jeans.

5. A thin or normal width belt looks the best with this type of jeans. It will create an illusion of thin waist as the jeans flare towards the bottom.

As the title states, these jeans are truly a gift from hippies to hipsters, and I highly recommend trying them on before you start the judging. Who knows, maybe you'll fall in love.

Jeans: Monki
Shirt: Vailent
Sandals: Dinsko

P.S. Thank you for the sweet reader who told me that the picture from my last post was featured in here.